When legendary owner of the Lakers, Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the team in May 1979, nobody would’ve thought it’d be the surgical knife that would transform the entire face of the NBA, and in the next decade usher the league with an “image problem” into the modern era.

At the Lakers’ home in the Forum, empty lounges became bars, cheerleaders became entertainers, and the game became a show. Known as the Showtime Lakers, they were the catalyst that would fuse the austere world of sports with the glitterati. Courtside became a runway for celebrity attendees, players became “players,” willing participants in the debauchery that came with the stardom.

It was an electrifying time in the newly-amalgamated world of sports and show business, and one charismatic young man held the two together at the palm of his hands: Earvin “Magic” Johnson. The titular shoe nods to that momentous time in history with motifs inspired by the franchise colours and Magic’s famous oversized fur coat.

Built over a sail leather base and various suede overlays, purple accents lend itself onto the Three Stripes, the heel clip lining, and wherever it can stand in contrast to the Laker gold, particularly on the Trefoil on the tongue tag, with another one on the lateral, embellished with a golden finish—a nod to the team’s championship pedigree. Gum soles gives credence to the classic finish of a classic silhouette.

Details are sparse at the moment but a release is expected before the year wraps.

Another sneaker inspired by the greatest Laker of all time hints at a return as well, check out the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Prelude”.